Others of the men were variously occupied, whilst the natives looked with curiosity and astonishment on all they saw.

At this time, however, there were not many natives at the settlement, since numbers of them had gone over the Nile, to make their harvest on the settlers.
On Monday I sent Flood into Adelaide with despatches for the Governor, and with letters for my family, as well as to bring out some few trifling things we had overlooked, and as Mr.Piesse reported to me on that day that the drays were reloaded, I directed him, after I had inspected them, to lash down the tarpaulines, and to warn the men to hold themselves in readiness to proceed on their journey at 8 a.m.on the following morning--for, as I purposed remaining at Moorundi with Mr.Eyre until Flood should return, I was unwilling that the party should lose any time, and I therefore thought it advisable to send the drays on, under Mr.
Poole's charge, until such time as I should overtake him.

The spirit which at this time animated the men ensured punctuality to any orders that were given to them.

Accordingly the bullocks were yoked up, and all hands were at their posts at early dawn.

As, however, I was about to remain behind for a few days, it struck me that this would be a favourable opportunity on which to address the men.